AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Ecological Correlates of Molt in Merlins (Falco columbarius)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1996
Authors:Espie, RHM, James, PC, Warkentin, IG, Oliphant, LW
Journal:The Auk
Volume:113
Issue:2
Date Published:1996
ISBN Number:00048038
Keywords:Aesalon, Aesalon columbarius, Falco, Falco columbarius, Falconidae
Abstract:The energetic requirements of breeding can affect the ability of a bird to simultaneously undergo replacement of its feathers. From 1987 to 1994 we examined patterns of wing- and tail-feather molt in 286 Merlins (Falco columbarius richardsonii) captured in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan during the breeding season to investigate the relationship between these two events. Female Merlins had significantly higher molt scores than males, but among a variety of environmental variables, only capture date was significantly correlated with the extent of molt in female Merlins. In contrast, molt in male Merlins was correlated with capture date, the quality of the nest place, and the hatching date of the chicks. Nearly one-half of all males examined had an arrested molt pattern (i.e. molt stopped partway through), while less than 30% of females had arrested molt. Differences between the sexes may be related to their roles in reproduction. The fact that male Merlins provide most of the food for the pair and their young during the breeding season apparently necessitates slowing down and in some cases arresting molt. Females appear to arrest molt due to the greater demand of having more chicks.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/4088903
Short Title:The Auk
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